What a relief to have a cooler day for today's task joining the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery FoSOC on their monthly session. Lucy and I got stuck in with the regular volunteers tackling rampant brambles, clearing around some gravestones. We certainly didn't mind the odd shower although rain did stop play at 11.45 but we managed to fill plenty of large bags. They always offer refreshments at their hub in the old chapel which are most welcome when you are a tad damp.

A great session with Friends of Portswood Rec trying to cut out as much bramble as we could from the hedges to keep on top of it. We started early at 8.30 am to beat the heat as it was forecasted 29+ that day. Two full bags so a great success although I should have remembered that the Mahonia bush is just as prickly as the brambles. Next time longer sleeves and perhaps not climbing inside the hedge might help.

Its amazing how much woodchip you can move when everybody "chips" in 😊

We had the task of woodchipping a path that runs around the edge of the farm - with the instruction of "put plenty on" - so thats what we did! We also weeded an area and woodchipped that too!

No lovely Richard on hand this evening to share his knowledge, but really pleased that he was able to have an evening off and GoodGym were able to successfully complete the task.

Awesome work Barrow Buddies - thankyou 👍

Steph and i spent a short while this evening tackling the residential planter in Lordshill. unfortunately it has sprung up considerably since we last tackled it - and is full of bindweed and brambles. We successfully managed to clear a small section of the growth and will be back soon.

A good workout session for us as we were clearing grass and weeds so we could dig the area. Slight hitch in proceedings as Stephanie managed to snap the fork handle! Not a problem as Ziggy soon advised it had woodworm damage already. We don't usually blame the tools! Lauren and Stephanie filled four shopping trolleys worth of grass and cuttings. April did great work helping to clear up our mess with the help of Alan from Friends of Bitterne Station. Refreshments were provided as they are a very hospitable group. We will be back to help out in the future as they are a wonderful place creating a welcoming community space for all.